Gasoline distributing system



June 22, 1937.

K. 'r. BENNETT GASOLINE DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheet 1- Filed March 17, 1934 V A M June 22, 1937. K, T, BENNETT 2,084,548

GASOLINE DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Fiied March 17. 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 June 1937. K. T. BENNETT GASOLINE DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 17, 1934 Awe/1 7 7. Mfr

ATTOENE Y J e- 2, 7- K. T. BENNETT ,5

GASOLINE DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Filed March 17, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented June 22, 1931 PATENT OFFICE GASOLINE DISTRIBUTING SYSTEM Knight T. Bennett, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor of one-half to John Taylor, Los Angeles,

Application March 17, 1934, Serial No. 716,214

Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing gasoline, and has particular reference to gasoline distributing means employing hydraulic pressure.

The general object of the invention is to provide an efficient distributing system, economical and convenient to operate. A further object is the provision of a system of flexibility, that is, readily adaptable to various output requirements and service conditions. Another object is .to

provide suitable indicating means for such system.

To this end, my invention consists in the combinations hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the appended drawings, of which: Fig. 1 illustrates, diagrammatically, the system of my invention in one form and substantially as arranged in practice,

Fig. 2 showsmn a larger scale, a portion of the liquid level control mechanism of Fig. 1,

Figs. 3 and 4 are sectional side elevations, also on a larger scale, showing the arrangement of the distributing stations of my invention,

' Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate modifications of the mechanism at these stations,

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic view illustrating an expansion of my system to render it more fully automatic in' its operation,

Fig. 8 illustrates a further expansion of the system, the importance of which will hereinafter be fully explained, and

Fig. 9 is a diagram or the electric nections of Fig. 1.

-The structure of the invention comprises a storage tank I (or a battery of such tanks) having the bottom connected, through the medium of a pipe 2, with a source of hydraulic pressure H such as ordinary city water pressure (not shown). From the top of the tank extends a pipe 3, through a smaller tank 4, to'the various oil distributing stations 5, 5 etc.

At each of these distributing points, which may all be alike and which for the sake of the description all are shown alike, is a distributing ,valve I, from which a hose 8, terminating in the usual valve controlled nozzle 9,. extends. At each distributing point is also placed a switch II, which switches control a circuit through a wire consolenoid magnet I I, normally to maintain a valve balanced to ride on water but to sink in gasoline,

is mounted on this chain. The shaft of the sprocket wheel ll extends through the wall 01' the dome to carry at one end an insulated arm II, which, as the float approaches the top or bottom oi! the tank, comes into contact with and opens a switch I! or a switch is, resulting in a disruption of the solenoid circuit and consequent closing of the valve l2.

,The pipe 2 terminates in a three-way valve 20, and this-valve is manually controlled, either connecting with the pressure supply through a pipe II or wasting through a pipe 22.- To the stem of this valve is secured an insulated contact arm 23 which, when the valve is operated to admit pressure or to waste,.. comes to rest on one of the contacts 24, 25 to complete the 1 solenoid circuit.

In the main pressure pipe is cut a diaphragm motor valve 26, from the diaphragm chamber'of which a pipe 2'! extends through the solenoid valve I: to the pressure supply pipe I! Normally, when the solenoid circuit is closed, the pressure through this pipe, against the diaphragm oi the motor valve, maintains this latter valve open.

The solenoid valve i! is also of the threewaytype' which, as above stated, maintains the conduit 21 open while the solenoid circuit is closed. The moment this circuit is broken,t his valve is reset to connect the diaphragm chamber with the atmosphere through a discharge pipe 28, thereby to relieve the pressure on the diaphragm and to permit the valve 26 to close. The whole system now remains inactive until a switch "I again is closed, when the adjoining distributing valve 1 maybe opened and gasoline delivered through the nozzle 0, causing water to rise within the storage tank. The float it rises with the water, causing the sprocket wheel M to turn and the arm I] to rotate clockwise. As the float approaches the top of the tank, it is seen that this arm will strike and open the switch ll, as above mentioned, causing a disruption of the solenoid circuit with the result that the whole system becomes inactive. The water has risen so I high that continued operation would. result in overflowing of water into the gasoline delivery line. Refilling oi. the tank now becomes necessary before any more gasoline can be dispensed.

From the tank rises a reflll pipe 1', closed by a cap 3|. In air field practice, it is customary to run a train of tank cars on to an adjoining track and to connect these tank cars with the refill pipe to supply iuei until all these cars have been emptied.

The valve 24 is manually reset to connect the bottom of the tank with the sewer line 22, causing the contact arm 23 to swing from the contact 24 to the contact 25. Gravity now permits gasoline 5 to flow into the tank above the water which gradually is wasted through the sewer connection.

' The float commences to sink and the system again becomes operative and gasoline may be dispensed .while the tank fllls. When the float now ap i 'proache's the bottom, it is seen that the arm l1 strikes and opens the switch it to disrupt the circuit and again to close the diaphragm motor valve 26. The operator is now merely required to turn the valve 20 to connect with the hydraulic l pressure supply, permitting the arm 23 to swing into contact with the terminal 24, and the system is operable to dispense fuel so long as fuel remains in the storage tank.

The gasoline to the fuel pits passes through the 20 tank 4 which, for convenience of description, may be termed the separator tank. In this tank is mounted a float 40 which, being heavier than gasoline, normally rests inactively on or near the bottom the tank. Should; however, due to some 25 unforeseen cause, water rise through the conduit 3 into the separator tank, such inflow results in raising the float 40 thereby to open a valve H to permit the pressure medium from the diaphragm chamber to bleed through a conduit 42 and a 30 waste outlet 43, and the motor valve 26 closes.

The system is now again inoperative and can only be restored to activity, after the cause of the failurehas been determined and the fault corrected, by manually draining the accumulated 35 water through the valve 44.

The distributing stations 5 are usually located on the ground level, and they comprise each a casing 50, in which the valve 1 and the switch l0 are suitably mounted, see Figs. 3 and 4. The casing is fitted with a hinged cover 5| which, by means of alink 52, journaled on the end of the valve handle 53, is pivotally connected to open the valve as the cover is opened. The link and handle form a toggle joint which, when the cover is fully opened, locks the cover in open position. To close the cover, it is necessary first to fold the toggle joint manually. The arm 54, of the .switch III is, by a link 55, similarly connected with the cover. In this manner, the system is quickly and easily set to function by merely raising the cover. But it is not possible again to close the cover until the valve has been manually closed and the switch opened.

It is very desirable to provide means for indicating the fuel contents of each tank. The method usually employed consists in lowering a measuring rod into the tanks, but this is not only a slow and crude procedure, but also objectionable because such information generally is required at a remote point, often in an ofllice or station far distant from the flying field.

For the purpose of such indications, I provide a dial indicator 32, electrically connected for operation by the float IS. A wiring diagram of suchconnections is shown in Fig. 9. Lately, a new type of alternating current, self synchronizing induction motor has been plaoed on the market. Two such motors are shown embodied in the system of my invention. One, 33, is directly connected for rotation by the shaft of the sprocket wheel l4. The other, 34, is positively connected t'o-turn the indicator hand 35 of the dial '32. The rotors of these motors are connected, through collector rings, into the solenoid circuit of the system, but may be out into independent, single phase circuit, if preferred. The three phase stator windings of the two motors are interconnected. The motor 33, being held against rotation by the float mechanism, operates as a generator and, as the motor 24 is free to turn, it will rotate to assume exactly the position held by the generator, when the rotor circuit is closed. As the generator is rotated by the float mechanism, the indicator motor will follow in exactly the same manner. The result is, that the liquid level in the tank is continuously and correctly indicated on the dial.

As such self-synchronizing devices are well known commercially, no further description is thought necessary, except to mention that as many indicator motors, with dials attached, may be added as desired for installation at remote points for operation by the same generator.

The system of my invention is diagrammatically shown and the various parts of the system are conventionally illustrated. In actual practice, however, delicate devices are employed to make the system sufllciently sensitive and instantly responsive, to make the electrical connections and instruments operative. It is vwell to note, for example, that mercury-or other suitable switches must be provided at l8 and i9, but as such devices are well. known and widely used, further explanation is thought unnecessary.

The structure described is very simple and almost automatic in its operation, the valve 20, with its switch connections, being the only manually operated elements in the normal functioning of the system. The system can, however, be made fully automatic by introducing a few additional storage tank control elements, as will now be described in connection with Fig. '7.

The high water level of the tank ill is controlled by a float operated pilot control mechanism 6|, at the top of the tank, and the low level is controlled by a similar float operated mechanism 62 at the tank bottom. Bothfloats are constructed to rise with the water and to sink in the fuel. In the pressure supply line 63 is a diaphragm motor valve 84, in the sewer line a similar valve 65, and in the gasoline fill line a diaphragm motor valve 66. From the pressure line 63 extends a water conduit 61 to the upper float pilot controlpressure chamber to control a conduit through the solenoid valve l2 to the diaphragm chambers of pressure valve 64 and the waste valve 55. The conduit 61 also extends through conduit 68 to the pressure chamber of the lower float operated pilot mechanism 62, to control the pressure in the diaphragm chamber of the fuel supply valve 66. Upon examination of these features, it should be clear to those versed in the art that, should water reach the top of the tank, the pressure supply to thetank is' automatically shut off and the sewer connection opened. The system will now remain inoperative until fuel, by gravity, is fed through the refill pipe line 69 to replace the water which is forced to waste through the open valve 65 to the sewer. Also that, should the fuel reach the lower float, the latter will sink with the fuel, causing the reflll valve 68 to close. In actual practice, however, the water level normally remains between the two floats so longas fuel is available for refllling. V

In all other respects, the system may remain as above described. It is well here to mention, that meters 29, III, in the two'systems. respectively, are provided to indicate the fuel level in the tanks.

ace-sue 4 In this manner, a very sensitive and effective liquid level control is obtained. The springs of the valves 85 and 84 are arranged to open the former and to close the latter, and the springs are normally held compressed by the pressure medium.

' The pressure drops as the float rises, permitting the springs to operate the valves. The same result is obtained when the solenoid circuit is open, the valve l2 being then opened to permit the pressure medium fromthese diaphragm chambers to bleed through the waste pipe 28.

Comparing the two above described systems, it is seen that both systems function entirely automatically while sumcient liquid fuel remains in the storage tank and will automatically become inoperative when the upper or lower limit f is reached in this tank. In the case of the first the cover.

described system, it then becomes necessary for the attendant manually to reverse the valve 28 to restore the system to operativeness. The second system automatically becomes operative while refill connections remain open and refill fuel is available.

, A modification oi the valve and switch control at the distributing stations is shown in Fig. 5,

in which the box and cover may remain sub-. stantially the same, but the valve handle 58 and the'switch handle 51 are'not here connected .to The above described locking eirect is here obtained by mounting a lock plate 58 on the cover, and this plate will swing over the ends of handles 58, 51 to lock the cover against closing, should it be attempted to close the cover before the valve is closed and the switch opened.

The modification of Fig. 6 also is substantially the same except that, in this case the valve and switch handles 12, 1! do not rise above the. top

of the casing. The lock plate 13 is modified to present a shoulder portion 13*, spaced from the cover, which portion will come to a stop against the ends of the levers, while the outer end of the plate 13 slides in front' of the levers. The closing movement of the cover is in this manner arrested, calling the attention of the operator to the fact that he has failed to make the system inoperative. The principle of valve and switch control herein outlined is a decided improvement over the present art, as known to applicant, in that these members must be positively, manually reset before the operator can close the cover, whereas, in systems previously devised, springs are depended upon to reset these members. But springs gradually become "tired", resulting in partial or complete failure to function.

In larger fields, one storage tank may not be sufficient to supply thedemand for fuel, in addition to which it is at least inconvenient, and

in emergencies, detrimental, to find the service interrupted when it, is attempted to draw from a tank completely exhausted. In such cases, I find it advantageous to provide a pair of tanks interconnected in such manner that, at least, one tank will always be available for delivery service. Such system is'illustrated in Fig. 8.

In this view, two tanks 88 and 8| are shown,

both fitted with float operated pilot controllers 82, 83, 84, 85, at top and bottom. All the floats will rise in water and sink in gasoline. tank 88, the floats are down, indicating that this tank is completely filled with fuel. The floats at tank 8|, both being'up, show this tank to be full of water. The system is shown at the point where one tank ceases to function and the other tank assumes delivery.

The pilot controllers are of the well known type, comprising a casing divided into two compartrnents by a diaphragm 86, to which are afiixed valves 81 and 88 for controlling the entrance to two conduits seated within the casing. Pressure passes to the two diaphragm motor valves 15 and 18, the first of which is open to admit the pressure medium to the tank 88, while the latter is now closed. The waste valve 11 is closed and the waste valve 18 is open to permit water to drain from the tank 8| as fuel from the refill connection 88 sinks into this tank.

For the purpose of controlling these valves, a pair of automatic flow directors 88, 8| are added to this system. These directors, which as shown are exactly alike, comprise each a casing 82, in which pistons 83, 84, rigidly mounted on a rod 85 in spaced relation, are fitted to slide. outer end of each rod is mounted a capsular member 88, divided by means of a diaphragm 88 into two chambers 81, 88. The end of the rods is rigidly secured to this diaphragm, as indicated in dotted outline. Above these directors is shown a manual control mechanism comprising two identical casings 88, 188, in which pistons l8l, I82 are seated to slide, and they are interconnected by a common rod I83 which, in turn, is

joined to an operating lever I84.

An examination of the conduits operatively interconnecting the devices just mentioned, will troller 82. But this valve is closed while the float remains down, as shown. The water. also passes to the valve 81 of the controller 83 and, as this valve is open, the water is free to pass into the lower diaphragm chamber of the director 88,. to

maintain the pistons 83, 84 .elevated. The pressure medium from the common conduit I85 also passes through the director 88, between the two pistons, thence through the control casing 81 and to the diaphragm motor valve 15, to maintain this valve open against the tension of its spring.

Fuel may now be dispensed from the tank 88,

causing water to rise in this tank and to elevate the float of the controller 83. This will cause its valve 81 to close and valve 88 to open a' conduit to the sewer connection, but this conduit remains inactive so long as the valve 88 remains closed. The diaphragm chamber of the waste valve 11 is shown communicating, through the lower portion of the director casing 82, with the main sewer connection, permitting the spring of this valve to maintain it closed,

The water now gradually rises in tank 88, until it reaches and elevates the fioat of the controller 82, to close its valve 88 and to open 81, thereby to permit the pressure medium to pass into the upper diaphragm chamber 91, of the director 88, and to depress the pistons 83 and 84. The pressure On the At the medium is now free to flow to the waste valve 11, to open this valve, but it is cut oil from the valve 15, the diaphragm chamber of which now comes into communication with the sewer connection,

5 permitting this valve to close.

' In the meanwhile, the tank 8| has gradually become filled with fuel, first causing the float of the controller 84 to sink and to close its valve 81. This, however, has no eifect, because the director 10 9| remains in the same position. The valve 88 simultaneously opens, but this is also ineffective, because communication with the pressure line is cut off by valve 81. Later, when the fuel reaches the float of the controller 85, and causes this float I to sink, it is seen that the pressure line becomes opened to reach the lower diaphragm chamber of the director 9|, and to raise its piston. Simultaneously, the main pressure valve 8 opens and the waste valve 8 closes. If, at this time, it is desired to dispense through the tank 8|, it is only required to swing the lever I88 to the left, to put pressure on this tank and to relieve the pressure in the tank 88. Otherwise the system would continue to deliver through tank 88 until it is exhausted.

In this view, for the sake of simplicity, the float 48, of the separator tank I, isshown connected to operate a switch H8, in the circuit-from the delivery switch M to the solenoid magnet H. But

pressure connections, such as shown in Figs. 1

and 7 may, of course, be substituted.

Myaim, in presenting the three systems, all of which have been put in successful operation by me, is to show how, by minor modifications, the

system of my invention may be adapted to serve with equal facility one or a battery of storage tanks.

In the structure oil-Fig. 1, the lever 28, of each tank of a battery, must be manually ,thrown to change from filling to delivery and also to change from one tank to another.

In the structure of Fig. 7, the first change is automatic, but manual control valves must be added to-change from one tank to another.

In the system of Fig. 8, the tanks are arranged in pairs, and each pair is capable of automatic service, making this system more convenient to operate, with less personal attention.

In the foregoing, I have endeavored fully to explain the functioning of the system of my invention. It may be well to mention also, that in order to maintain uniformity in the main pressure connections, it is customary to introduce a pressure regulator, such as indicated at 18, in Fig. 'l: The valve controlling pressure system, on the other hand, requires much less pressure and may,

- for the sake of economy, be fitted with a reducing regulator, such as indicated at ll.

When gasoline lies dormant in a. tank for a length of time, it may be folmd thata separation takes place, permitting the heavier particles to sink and the more volatile to gather at the top.

It may be found advantageous, insuch cases, to

provide a spray pipe 48, controlled by a manual valve 41, to shoot a large number of fine lets of water from the main pressure line through the.

fuel, along the inner walls of the tank, thereby violently to agitate the fuel.

I claim:-

'70 -1.In.comblrls.tion with a fuel storage, a hydraulic high pressure system for forcing fuel from said storage, valves controlling said y tem, an auxiliary lowpressure system controlling said valves and fed from said highpressure system, 75 normally closed remotefuel dispensing stations,

means in said stations operable when a station is opened automatically to make said low pressure system operative to cause the high pressure system to pass fuel from the storage to said stations, and manual means to make the system inoperative as a preliminary to closing the station.

2. In combination with a fuel storage, a hydraulic pressure system for expelling fuel from said storage, valves for controlling said system, an auxiliary pressure system for controlling said valves, means actuated by the stored fuel level for controlling said valve controlling pressure system, distributing stations, a separator tank betweenthe storage and said stations through which the fuel expelled from said storage passes to the said stations, and means operated by the fuel level in said tank for making the pressure system inactive in case the pressure medium should overflow into said tank.

3. A fuel storage, a separator tank, distributing stations, a conduit leading from said storage to said tank and from the latter to said stations, hydraulic pressure means for forcing fuel from said storage through said conduit to said stations, and means associated with said tank for rendering the hydraulic means'inoperative should the hydraulic pressure medium overflow into the tank.

4. A fuel storage, a separator tank, distributing stations, a conduitleading from said storage to said tank and from the latter to said stations, bydraulic pressure means for forcing fuel from said storage through said conduit to, said stations, means associated with said tank for rendering said hydraulic means inoperative should hy-' draulic pressure medium overflow into the tank,

and a conduit leading from said hydraulic pressure means into the said storage and there terminating in a spray head, and means controlling the flow through said conduit.

5. In a hydraulic fuel dispensing system, a fuel storage, a separator tank, normally closed distributing stations, normally dormant pressure means for delivering fuel from said storage through said tank to the said stations, means at said stations automatically actuated upon opening a station to render said hydraulic pressure means active but manually operable to return it to its dormant state before the station again can be closed, and means for interrupting the operation of the whole system shouldthe pressure means overflow into said separator tank.

6. In a hydraulic fuel dispensing system, a fuel storage, a separator tank, normally closed distributing stations, normally dormant hydraulic pressure means for delivering fuel from said storage through said tank to the said stations, a normally closed valve in each station controlling the flow of fuel to the station, said valve automatically opening when the station is opened but manually closable as a preliminary to closing the station, and means controlled by the separator tank fuel level for disrupting the. flow of fuel to the stations'should the pressure means overflow into said tank.

7. In a hydraulic fuel dispensing system, a fuel storage, a separator tank, distributing stations, a conduit to said storage, a diaphragm motor valve in said. conduit, a manual three-way valve connecting said conduit with hydraulic pressure or with a sewer connection, a fuel dispensing valve at each station, a master valve controlled by the opening of each station valve for controlling the flow of water to said diaphragm motor valve to open the valve, and means associated with said separator tank for wasting the water flowing to said diaphragm valve to permit the valve to close in case water overflows into the separator tank.

8. In a hydraulic fuel dispensing system, a fuel storage, a separator tank, closed distributing stations, means actuated by the stored fuel level to control the flow of the pressure medium provided to force fuel through said tank to said stations,

flow control means at each station automaticallyoperated upon opening a station to render the system operable but manually resettable before the station again can be closed, a master element actuated by the setting of each station flow control means to control the flow of the pressure medium, and means associated with said separator tank for interrupting the functioning of said master element to render the system inoperative should'the'pressure medium overflow into said separator tank.

9. In anormally dormant hydraulic fuel dispensing system, a pair of storage tanks, a separator tank, distributing stations, valve controlled water conduits communicating with the bottom of each storage tank for forcing stored fuel through said separator tank to the delivery stations, valve controlled waste conduits from the storage tanks, means actuated by the storage tank-fuel levels for controlling the operation of said valves, means at each station for rendering the system active, and means associated with said separator tank for disrupting activity should water overflow into said separator tank.

, 10. In a normally dormant hydraulic fuel dispensing system, a pair of fuel storage tanks, dispensing stations, means actuated by the fuel level .of said tanks for controlling hydraulic pressure to deliver fuel from said tanks through a conduit to said stations, means at each station for making the system active, means for arranging said hydraulic control means to draw fuel from one tank or from the other, and means for disrupting the flow of fuel to the stations in case the v pressure medium overflows into the conduit to the stations. I

11. In a hydraulic pressure fuel dispensing systern, a fuel'storage, a separator. tank, closed distributing stations, a conduit leading from said storage to said tank and from the latter to said stations, means actuated by the level of the stored fuel to control the flow of the hydraulic pressure medium for delivering fuel from said storage through said conduit to the stations, a dispensing valve in each station, a master valve for controlling the hydraulic pressure, a magnet connected to operate said valve, a switch in each station in the magnet circuit to open said master valve to control said pressure control when a switch is closed, and means associated with said separator tank for breaking said circuit to render the system inoperative in case the pressure medium should overflow into said separator tank.

12. A fuel storage receptacle, a separator tank, closed distributing stations, a hydraulic pressure system for delivering fuel through said separator tank to the stations, a magnet operated valve paratus, a fuel storage, distributing stations, 0. high pressure system for forcing stored fuel to the distributing stations, a low pressure system actuated by the stored fuel level to control the operation of said high pressure system, a master valve in said low pressure system, and means at each station for opening said valve to dispense fuel.

14. In a hydraulic pressure fuel dispensing apparatus, a fuel storage, a separator tank, distributing stations, a high pressure hydraulic system for forcing stored fuel through said separator tank to the delivery stations, a low pressure system actuated by the stored fuel level to control the operation of the high pressure system, a master valve in said low pressure system, means at each station for maintaining saidvalve openwhile dispensing fuel, and means associated with said separator tank for rendering the apparatus inoperative upon overflowing of the high pressure medium into said tank.

15. In combination with a fuel storage, a hy draulic high pressure system for forcing fuel from said storage, valves controlling said system, an auxiliary pressure system controlling said valves and fed from said high pressure system, electrical means actuated by the fuel storage level to actuate said auxiliary pressure system, said means comprising normally closed switches maintaining said auxiliary pressure system open, and a fuel responsive member for opening said switches at high and low level thereby to close said auxiliary system, remote fuel dispensing stations, means at said stations for actuating said auxiliary system to cause the high pressure system to carry fuel to the stations, and means associated with said member for indicating the stored fuel level at remote points.

16. A fuel storage, a separator tank, distributing stations, hydraulic pressure means for forcing fuel from said storage throughsaid tank 'to said stations, means associated with said tank for rendering the hydraulic means inoperative should the hydraulic pressure medium overflow into the tank, and means for indicating the stored fuel level at remote points.

1'1. In a hydraulic pressure operated fuel dispensing apparatus, afuel storage, distributing stations, a high pressure system for forcing stored fuel to the dispensing stations, a low pressure system actuated by the stored fuel level to control the operation of said high pressure system, a master valve in said low pressure system, means at each stationfor opening said valve to dispense fuel, a dial at a remote point, and means for indicating the stored fuel level on said dial.

' 18. In combination with a fuel storage, a hydraulic high pressure system for forcing fuel from said storage, valves controlling said system, an

auxiliary pressure system for controlling said v to actuate said auxiliary pressure system, said means comprising normally closed switches maintaining said auxiliary pressure system open, and afuel level responsive member for opening said switches at high-and low level thereby to close said auxiliary system, remote fuel dispensing stations, means at said stations for actuating said auxiliary system to cause the high pressure system to carry fuel to the stations, dials at remote points, and means for indicating the stored fuel level on said dials.

19. In combination with a fuel storage, a hydraulic high pressure system, valves controlling said system, alowpressure system for operating said valves, means actuated by the stored fuel level for controlling said valve operating pressure system, remote fuel dispensing stations, and means at the said stations for actuating said valve operating low pressure system.

20. In a normally dormant fuel dispensing device, fuel storage, a hydraulic pressure system, valves controlling said system, a second pressure system for controlling said valves, a reducing regulator connecting said second system with the first system, means actuated by the stored fuel level for controlling said second system, remote fuel dispensing stations, and means at said stations for actuating said second system.

21. In a liquid fuel distributing system, the combination with fuel storage and means controlling the flow of fuel through the system, of underground stations, dispensing means within the stationaa cover normally closing each station, and means within each station automatically operable upon opening its cover to start the flow of fuel to the dispensing means of the station, said means being manually resettable as a preliminary condition to closing the cover.

22. In a liquid distributing system, an underground station, a nozzle equipped dispensing hose extensible from said station, means within the station controlling the flow of fuel in the, system, means in the station controlling the entrance to said hose, and a ground level cover normally closing said station, it being necessary to open said cover in order to bring the flow controlling means into operation to dispense fuel, it being necessary to reset said fuel flow control means and the said hose control before the cover again can be closed.

23. Fuel storage tanks, dispensing stations, a 5

conduit from each tank to said stations, a waste conduit from each tank, constant hydraulic pressure means, valves controlling the hydraulic pressure flow to the tanks and from the tanks to the waste conduits, fluid level responsive means at 1 each tank for controlling the operation of said valves, means for directing the operation of said fluid level responsive means and the said valves, and means for setting said directing means automatically to direct the operation of said fluid 1 level responsive means and the said valves to cause fuel to pass from any one of said tanks to the said dispensing stations.

24. Storage tanks, dispensing stations, a conduit from each tank to said stations, a waste 2 conduit from each tank, a hydraulic pressure system, valves controlling the hydraulic pressure flow to the tanks, fluid level responsive means at each tank for controlling the operation of said valves, means for directing the operation of said fuel 2 level responsive means and the said valves, means for setting said directing means to cause fuel to pass from any one of said tanks to the said dispensing stations, a master valve controlling said system, and means within each station for setting 3 said valve to render the system operative.

KNIGHT T. BENNETT. 

